I couldn’t resist buying this Bianchi even though it was more money than i usually like to spend on secondhand road bikes. It was just in such great condition. Fine wheels, a full Veloce group and brake set – even the titanium Flite saddle is a nice touch. It is super stiff and fast. People warn you off modern Bianchi bikes but this is as good a steel bike as we find.

And here’s a slight curio. I’m told that these were sold through a bike shop in Oudenaarde and are a very good quality. The slight forced bend to the down tube is beautiful; also the full 105 groupset (7-speed indexed) indicates this. Nice paint job too!